Fost Plus exaggerates: Belgian recycling figures are incorrect

For years, Fost Plus has been publishing the most spectacular recycling figures. For some materials, we even achieve more than 100%. How is it possible that we in Belgium recycle more than we consume? How do we manage that when there is still so much litter? The figures have been questioned and criticised on multiple occasions (Recover, 2018; RNB, 2018). Now FRF (formerly RNB) has released a detailed report that clearly shows that Fost Plus' figures are incorrect.

This report on the inflated recycling figures is part of a large-scale investigation into the performance of Fost Plus. This series of reports comes at a crucial moment: Fost Plus' 5-year contract expires at the end of this year. RNB advises the Belgian government to set strict conditions for a new accreditation.

Unrealistic figures

The Belgian recycling figures are good. But not as good as Fost Plus dares to communicate. Because claiming that you recycle 105% of all ferrous metals and even 123% of all glass (2022 report) is misleading.

Fost Plus is creative with the data. They compare everything they collect for recycling only with what their members place on the market, which is not the entire Belgian packaging market. So that is how you get towering percentages.

According to our calculations, 59% of our PMD is currently recycled, and not 64.8% as Fost Plus claims (see the report for the calculation). An additional 18,000 tonnes of PMD would need to be recycled to actually reach 64.8%. This is no less than 900 million plastic bottles.

Chloé Schwizgebel, RNB: “Fost Plus' creative accounting must stop. It is important that policy is formed on the basis of transparent and complete data. The new accreditation for Fost Plus must include strict rules on data collection and reporting.”

How can it be improved?

Will Fost Plus continue to exaggerate its recycling results for another five years? We must not allow that. That is why we provide concrete recommendations for the next accreditation in this report. Among other things, we recommend:

Clear rules, on what may be included in the calculation for recycling and selective collection. These must be in line with European standards, which is not yet the case.

Transparent spreadsheets with complete data, as in Germany (see page 21)

A real focus on higher recyclability of packaging (see page 10)

Financial incentives for more reusable packaging (see page 10)

Deposit return schemes to increase returns and avoid litter

Fost Plus has already taken steps towards better recycling. But we need more ambition, also in terms of prevention and reuse (see our first report). We urge governments to raise the bar for Fost Plus, to strive for a truly circular Belgium.

Press contact:

Chloé Schwizgebel, chloe@fairresourcefoundation.org, +31 6 43288231